She was born July 15, 1914 in Roseboom the daughter of the late Robert and Linda (Ullman) Baker.
On August 23, 1958, Leona married Ralph Daniel Hitchcock in Gloversville. Ralph predeceased her on June 8, 1979.
Leona began working in 1942 at the MICA Factory in Oneonta during WWII. In 1945 she began working as a machine operator at Jonathan Logan Dress Factory and then later known as Richard Dress Factory in Oneonta until her retirement in 1972.
She was a doll enthusiast. She loved buying, selling, trading and repairing them. She also loved making clothes for them. Leona also enjoyed gardening, flowers, going to lawn sales, eating out, dogs and visiting with her friends. She was also very knowledgeable on antiques.
Leona was a lifetime member of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union Local #345.
Leona is survived by one nephew, Wilson (Betty) Hitchcock of Tennessee and two nieces Shirley (Jimmy) Serrao and Frankie (Joe) Hoffman of Esperance, NY. Special friends and caretakers, Bill and Maureen Vandeusen. She was predeceased by two sisters, Elmina Baker and Edna Pinney; two brothers Andrew Baker and Byron Baker.
Leona’s family and friends would like to send a special thank you to the staff at Robynwood and Catskill Area Hospice for all the loving care they gave to her.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2014 in the Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main Street, Oneonta from 5:00 to 6:00 PM. Funeral services will immediately follow at 6:00 PM with the Reverend Timothy Thurber pastor of the West Oneonta Baptist Church officiating. Memorial donations in Leona’s name may be made to Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, New York 13820.
To light a candle or send an online condolence please visit www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com
Funeral arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home of Oneonta.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18